Child of the Forest: Based on the Life Story of Charlene Perlmutter Schiff

by Jack L. Grossman, James Buchanan

Escaping the Horochów ghetto was just the beginning for twelve‑year‑old Musia Perlmutter. Alone, starving, freezing at times, and running and hiding for her life, Musia sought refuge in the forest for two years while Holocaust death camps loomed nearby. Child of the Forest is based on the true story and tribulations of Shulamit “Musia” Perlmutter, born in 1929 to Simcha and Fruma Perlmutter, and stands as a memorial to her extraordinary courage. 

Genres: Nonfiction

130 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 17, 2018

Reviews

[Porch Swing Pages · Rating 5 out of 5]

Child of the Forest was gifted to me and I am so glad I took the time to read it. Charlene endured a horrific childhood and did whatever she could to survive the massacre that was happening in Europe. She is such a strong human being to have survived what she did and then use her experience to educate others. Jack Grossman did a fantastic job honoring Charlene's story and memory in Child of the Forest. This is a book that everyone should read and I can see becoming as impactful as Night by Elie Wiessel.

[Karen Evers Neyland · Rating 5 out of 5]

A gripping, heart wrenching and harrowing true story. Alone in the forests of Poland for over 2 years, the physical and mental strength of a child so young keeps you on edge as you turn each page. A story you should never, ever forget.

[Lisa Mcbroom · Rating 4 out of 5]

I can not imagine what "Musia" went through at just eleven years old. To escape the Nazis, she hides in a forest with scarce food and water.

[Briana Meyer · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of those books that sticks with you long after finishing. A shocking, new and true story about hardship, pain, suffering, and survival one young girl experienced during the Holocaust. I’ve read a fair amount of Holocaust literature, however this story, the story of living on the run, was a new perspective for me. It’s a story well worth telling. Jack, you did a marvelous job putting Charlene’s story in writing. As haunting as the story is, it’s still an excellent read. Highly recommend!

[John Jupin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve put this book off because of its graphic description of the slaughter of the inhabitants of Horochow. I finished it on National Holocaust Memorial Day. There were days I could only read 5 pages.

It needs to be read, shared, and taught

[D.R. · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Child of the Forest” is a true account of 12-year-old Musia Perlmutter and her escape from the Horochow ghetto during Nazi occupation in 1942. As those remaining in the ghetto were being brutalized and killed, she and her mother fled to a nearby river. While hiding in the murky water for two days, Musia fell asleep, only to waken and discover her mother missing. She fled alone to the forests that weaved in and out of the countryside. Already gaunt and in ill health, she faced a two-year struggle to survive winters and summers without food, sufficient clothing, or much needed medical aid. All the while, SS soldiers were hunting down and killing Jews who’d escaped.

Her inspiring story of survival against the evils of Nazi persecution is a vivid reminder for those who’ve forgotten, or are too young to have known what happened during this bleak time in history.

The story Is written from Musia’s perspective, as it should be. Her encounters with soldiers and near captures bring tense drama to a vivid, and at times, gruesome tale of survival. The young girl’s frequent memories and poignant thought dialogue with her mother are used to bring her hope and courage. For the reader, these flashback thoughts also bring contrast to the world Musia once knew and the desperate world where she now found herself.

I was fortunate to recently attend a luncheon with several other writers where we met the author, Jack Grossman, and he discussed this book. He wrote it, along with the support of James Buchanan, after meeting Charlene Perlmutter Schiff at the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum in Washington, D.C. Learning of her story, he knew he had to get it to a larger audience. He was right.

[Shirley Petroline · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely loved this book and was so Blessed to attend a reading from the Author. He was fantastic and he is very passionate about making sure the world hears Charlene's story. One of the best books I have read in a very long time and I was so amazed by her bravery and survival instincts. The conversation with her Mother was so beautiful and love absolutely cannot be where despair lives. That was my takeaway and I reflect on it often. Thank you Jack for caring enough to tell her story and allowing others to absorb.

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

Worthy of tribute as are all holocaust survivors. Child of the Forest is the survival story of Charlene Perlmutter Schiff. A vivid telling of war and murder that surrounded a teenager, beginning at 12 years old. This young person mostly hid herself and walked relentlessly through the forest for 1 and 1/2 tears suffering from grief, hunger, lice, etc.. A fast and riveting read but vivid and heart wrenching as well.

[Betty Hutchinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

With death surrounding her, eleven year old Musia finds ways to survive and overcome tragedy on every hand. A truly heart wrenching yet inspiring story. This book is a must read for all. This book was given to me by a friend and I am thankful for now knowing this story of overcoming tragedy to be a holocaust survivor.

[Sarah Sherrin · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s a hard read, but the author captures the girl’s story very well I think. I don’t mean that it’s hard as in it was written poorly, but it’s hard as in it’s a real life story within a dark part of history. It’s emotional and thought provoking, and I am pleased to have read about the young Perlmutter.

[Tammy K · Rating 5 out of 5]

Riveting true story of a young girl’s survival of the Holocaust. Couldn’t put it down.

[Claire · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was a masterpiece about a Jewish girl's survival alone in the forests for two years during the holocaust. This is a true story beautifully written.

[Best Indie Book Award · Rating 5 out of 5]

🏆 2019 BIBA™ Non-Fiction Winner!

[Beth Lewis · Rating 5 out of 5]

So heart wrenching.

[Tara Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Unbelievable

[Laurie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Visceral depiction of a 12 yo girl surviving in the forest during the holocaust. Reminds me of my dads story

[Jane · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5. Hard to read but an amazing story of survival.

[Abby · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great content and great wrenching. Thought the writing was just ok.

[Mai-Lis · Rating 5 out of 5]

I couldn't put this book down. The strength of this girl is overwhelming, as is the harrowing world she perseveres in. Her determination to live is amazing. A true story that couldn't possibly be real but, sadly, is very real. I am grateful to the North Carolina author who recognized the importance of preserving Charlene's story!

[Angela M. · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a powerful book of survival! The power of love and how love can literally will you to live! Heartbreaking details of a child living through the Holocaust and her fight to survive for her mother!

[Jenna Fioravanti · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautifully written

This haunting story is told beautifully. I found myself highlighting every other sentence while reading. I definitely recommend the read.

[Caty Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

A story that must be read and told

Charlene is a true role model and hero.I read this book for class and I'm so thankful I had the opportunity to read it. So impactful!

[Brenda Self · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heartbreaking

What a horrible and tragic story,, an amazing lady and survivor. God's Blessing to her and her family. Thank you